WHISKY | A Summer Drink
Summer Means Highballs. Tips for Achieving "Bar Quality" at Home, and 3 Recommended Whiskies
To get straight to the point, your homemade highball will be significantly more delicious if you follow these three rules: "Thoroughly chill the glass and soda water," "Use plenty of ice," and "Don't stir too much after pouring the soda." Beyond that, simply changing your choice of whisky can drastically alter the flavor profile. Today, I'll introduce three whiskies that are unlikely to disappoint, even for beginners, from Sumitaya's perspective as a retailer.
As the weather gets warmer, we see a significant increase in customers asking, "Which whisky is good for a casual highball at home?" The refreshing crispness of soda and the savory aroma of whisky. Highballs, which pair well with food and whose alcohol content can be adjusted, are the perfect summer drink for the dinner table.
01Why the Highball is So Loved
A highball is a simple drink, made by mixing whisky with soda water. Because of its simplicity, the individual character of the whisky shines through directly. For days when you want a refreshing drink, for pairing with fried foods or yakitori, or for slowly enjoying the aroma after a meal—even the same bottle can offer different expressions depending on the mixing ratio and the brand you choose.
Another appeal is the ability to determine the strength at your own pace. If you want a light drink with your meal, use more soda. If you want to savor the aroma, make it a bit stronger. The fact that there isn't one "correct" way is, I believe, what makes highballs so enjoyable.
023 Tips for Making Your Homemade Highball Even More Delicious
You don't need any special equipment. Just focus on these three things.
Chill thoroughly
Make sure the glass, whisky, and soda water are ice-cold. This prevents the ice from melting quickly and diluting the drink.
Plenty of ice
Fill the glass completely. Too little ice will cause it to melt quickly and make the drink watery.
Don't overstir
After pouring, stir gently once from the bottom. This preserves the carbonation.
And the key to the taste is the "golden ratio." A general guideline is 1 part whisky to 4 parts soda.
03Another Idea: My Favorite "Whisky Float"
There's a way to make your usual highball special for the first sip: the "float." It's very simple to make. After preparing a regular highball, gently pour about a capful of whisky over the ice. Due to the difference in density, the whisky will subtly layer on top.
As you drink, it gradually mixes, allowing you to enjoy the changing aroma. If you want to really experience the aroma, I highly recommend trying this at least once.
043 Recommended Whiskies for Highballs
From the whiskies we carry at Sumitaya, I've selected three that are easy to drink as highballs and have distinct characteristics. I've categorized them as a classic balanced type, an aromatic Scotch, and a smoky one.
Suntory Kaku (Plastic Bottle / 1920ml)
First choice / For daily drinkingReleased in 1937, this is an indispensable classic when discussing Japanese highballs. It's mild and well-balanced, making it a safe choice for those trying whisky for the first time. The large plastic bottle allows you to enjoy it without worry every day.
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Dewar's White Label (700ml)
For those who prioritize aromaA blended Scotch crafted by the first master blender, A.J. Cameron, in 1899. It's smooth and wonderfully aromatic, with its fragrance enhancing when mixed with soda. Recommended for those who prioritize aroma.
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Teacher's Highland Cream
Pairs well with fried foods and meat dishesA smoky whisky blended primarily with malt from the Ardmore Distillery in Scotland. It's from a long-established brand founded in 1860. When made into a highball, its savory aroma is pleasant and pairs excellently with fried foods and meat dishes.
View Product Page →※Please check each product page for prices and availability.
05Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the golden ratio for a highball (alcohol to soda water)?
- A general guideline is 1 part whisky to 4 parts soda. If you want a more refreshing drink, use more soda; if you want a stronger aroma, adjust it to about 1 to 3, as you prefer.
- Are there any tips for making it like a bar at home?
- Thoroughly chill the glass, whisky, and soda water, use plenty of ice, and only stir gently once after pouring the soda. Chilling, plenty of ice, and not overstirring—these three points will change the final result.
- How do I choose a whisky that's good for highballs?
- Starting with a classic, mild blended whisky is usually a safe bet. If you want to enjoy the aroma, a fragrant Scotch like Dewar's is recommended. If you prefer a savory taste, a smoky type like Teacher's is a good choice. It's best to choose according to your preference.
- What is a whisky float?
- It's a way of drinking where, after making a regular highball, you gently pour about a capful of whisky over the ice to float on top. The whisky's aroma spreads intensely with the first sip, and as you drink, it gradually mixes, allowing you to enjoy the changing flavors.
The greatest charm of highballs is that they can be enjoyed casually without needing complex knowledge. I hope that with the tips and three whiskies introduced today, you can find your "perfect strength" at home. If any of these whiskies pique your interest, please take a look at their respective product pages.
Yo-ko Hironaka, Sakagura Sumitaya Online Store
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